Towering Christmas trees, toys that come to life, and visions of sugarplums — the wondrous images that "The Nutcracker" ballet evokes always put me in the holiday spirit. For the 14th consecutive year, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Rochester City Ballet, and the Bach Children's Chorus have combined forces to present Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker" to ring in the holidays.

From Friday, November 23, through Sunday, November 25, audiences can experience the classic ballet at Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre (26 Gibbs St.). To celebrate RCB's 25th "silver anniversary" season, splashes of silver will be woven into costumes and props throughout Sunday night's show. Audience members can keep track of the interspersed moments of silver for a chance to win two tickets to RCB's spring show. Fans on Facebook and Twitter will also have an opportunity to win tickets to the Sunday evening show by answering "Nutcracker" trivia questions. Visit facebook.com/rochestercityballet to participate and look behind-the-scenes at costumes and rehearsals.

Performances take place Friday through Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $75 and can be purchased at the RPO Box Office at 108 East Ave., by phone at 454-2100, or online at rpo.org.